West Nile virus has Carlsbad residents on watch, not overly worried

CARLSBAD  The West Nile virus may be making its way into headlines around the southwest, but it isn't stopping people from making it outside around Carlsbad.

Despite recent cases in Texas and other areas of New Mexico, no one seemed too concerned as they played by the waters of the Pecos.

"I keep my eyes out a little better if I see them, but I'm a little bit more concerned in the evening when it seems like there are more out," Carlsbad resident Gabriel Hall said as he watched his two children play in the water.

The virus is commonly transported by mosquitoes and so far in 2012 the only two cases have been reported in the state of New Mexico. Both were in the northern counties of Bernalillo and San Miguel, and neither case was fatal. Since 2003, only nine cases have been reported in Eddy County with 443 reported statewide. Of the 443 reported statewide, 16 were fatal.

"I'm not concerned at all; I have family from Texas where they've had cases there, but they are out here, and they aren't worried at all," Carlsbad resident Tami Lairson said.

Though no cases have been reported in Eddy County, it is certainly an issue in the region.

Stephen Watts of Gladewater, Texas, hasn't been too concerned while he's at the beach relaxing with his family, but he knows when he returns home that it is a real threat.

"Someone recently died back home, and a good friend of mine just got out of the hospital with a confirmed case, but I'm not too worried around here as much.

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" Watts said. "I've bought anything you can think of to kill them off, but you can't kill them all."

Dave Guck, a graduate of Carlsbad High School now residing in Austin, Texas, didn't seem too concerned either as he visited the beach in town, but he was taking precautions back home.

"Today we're not too worried, but when we head back home we'll be making sure there isn't any standing water near the house, and we'll be watching out for mosquitoes," he said.

West Nile Virus is a disease often transported via mosquito that was first seen in North America in 1999. While it often causes serious illness, it can also be fatal in its most serious manifestation, fatal encephalitis, which causes swelling of the brain. Precaution has been taken in Eddy County as vector control supervisor Kelly Cox has been spraying to keep the mosquito populations in check. Mosquitoes carry diseases and lay their eggs in stagnant ditches, sewage treatment ponds or water in tree holes, old tires, clogged gutters, old tin cans, and anything else that will hold water. Eggs are laid on or just above the water surface, where they usually hatch within two to three days.

Standard precautions include removing standing water from property, making sure the mosquitoes can not easily enter a home, use an insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and pants.

While many of those out at the beach were aware of the cases reported in the region, they aren't planning on hiding inside anytime soon.

"I'm not going to let it ruin my summer," Guck said. "You just have to be careful and be aware that it's out there."